Does Public Image Still Matter In 2021?

More than a decade ago, Dorchester made national news, thanks to an Associated Press story on the growth of the ethanol industry.

The AP article appeared in newspapers across the country. It was read by millions of Americans. (A Google search shows the article is still readily available on the Internet.)  

With a dateline of Dorchester, Neb., the article opened with:

"DORCHESTER, Neb. -- Outside of two bars and a bank there’s little activity on Washington Street here, where more windows are covered by boards than 'Open' signs. But at the end of the street, semi-trailers stir the dust near a concrete symbol of economic activity. It towers over the signs of small-town decay ..."

Shortly after that story was published, this blog published an editorial titled, "How Important Is Dorchester's Public Image?" It got residents talking. Some were upset by the AP article's portrayal of our community; others were surprised this blog chose to spotlight what was perceived as negative coverage.

Fortunately, since that AP story was published years ago, there have been many improvements in and around town. Credit goes to the many individuals who invested time and financial resources to enhance the appearance of their residential and commercial properties, thereby growing Dorchester's value and attractiveness. 

Think about the upgrades made to Dorchester over the past dozen years or so: a new school; several new additions to the city park, including a $250,000 water park; new businesses on main street and improvements to main street buildings; several older homes restored; new housing built; new commercial buildings and properties constructed. All these improvements deserve recognition from fellow residents.

However, we're disappointed by some of the eyesores that remain, as well as the new ones that have appeared, especially near our community's public areas, which belong to all the taxpaying residents. Blighted and unsightly properties near our park and main street do nothing to enhance the community, nor do they make it attractive to those considering making Dorchester home.

Readers can ignore these words, shrug their shoulders, look the other way. But this point remains as true today as it ever has been: Public image matters, even in an era of declining standards.  

For Dorchester, it's more than just a debate among friends and neighbors. In Dorchester, public image will set the course for our community's future.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Youth Football Camp, New Ag Commission

Dorchester Youth Football Camp: For Dorchester's future football stars, it is never too early to start brushing up the skills. The coaches at DHS are offering young players a chance to improve their football game or -- if they aren't familiar with the game -- just learn the basics. On July 6-7, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. both days, the Longhorns Youth Football Camp will be held for students going into the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Cost is $25. Included will be: skill development; athletic fundamentals; drill work; position education; team time; and 6-on-6 passing drills. Call Coach Zoubek at 402-418-1019 for more information.

Thalken Elected to Dry Pea and Lentil Commission: Gov. Pete Ricketts has appointed the inaugural board of directors for the newly commissioned Dry Pea and Lentil Commission. Eric Thalken was elected to serve District 3, representing all of central and eastern Nebraska. Thalken manages and operates an organic farm near Dorchester. The commission may create general state policies and programs related to the discovery, promotion and development of markets and industries for the utilization of dry peas, lentils, chickpeas or garbanzo beans, faba beans, or lupins grown in Nebraska.

Troy Daywes Hauls in Biggest Fish: Last month, the Lower Big Blue NRD held its 19th annual fishing derby at the Willard L. Meyer Recreation Area near Tobias. In the ages 10-12 category, the young angler who caught the biggest fish was Troy Daywes of Dorchester. Congratulations, Troy! 

127 Years Ago, Tragic Train Deaths in Dorchester: Do you get annoyed by the whistles blaring from the locomotives passing through town? Well, there's a reason they still blow their horn. According to research by the Dorchester Times, 127 years ago, three Dorchester residents were struck and killed by a train here in town. On Oct. 20, 1894, Mrs. Mary Sawyer and her two daughters, ages 16 and 18, were hit while crossing the Burlington tracks. The train conductors were charged with failing to adhere to regulations pertaining to speed and sounding their horn.

Happy 140th Birthday, Dorchester!

Wednesday, June 23, marks the 140th anniversary of Dorchester's incorporation as a village.

So we say: Happy birthday, Dorchester! 

Here's a look at Dorchester how our community became official 140 years ago:

• As Dorchester's population grew to nearly 300 by the early 1880s, it became necessary to establish a formal system of government. 

• On June 23, 1881, a petition was presented to and granted by the Saline County commissioners for the incorporation of the village.

• The following residents were appointed by the commissioners as village trustees: D.G. Panter, John Oberlies, N.B. Alley, Thomas Jarrett and W.H. Pallett.  At the same time, C.F. Thomas, J.H. Clark and M.O. Alley were named village clerk, treasurer and marshal, respectively.

• On July 6, 1881, the first meeting of the Dorchester Village Board was held. At this meeting, the trustees designated that the first Monday of each month would be the regular meeting time for the board, which is still adhered to today. Four other ordinances were approved at this first meeting of the Dorchester village board. They were:

• Ordinance 1: Regulating the sales of intoxicating liquors in the village;

• Ordinance 2: Imposing a license tax on dogs in the village;

• Ordinance 3: Levying a five mills to the dollar valuation taxes for the year 1881; and

• Ordinance 4: Providing for the grading and guttering of streets and alleys, as well as construction of wooden sidewalks.

Just a brief history lesson on Dorchester's birthday. May the next 140 years bring our town joy, purpose and prosperity!

NEWS ROUND-UP: Dorchester Housing Survey; Village Clerk to Retire

Dorchester Housing Survey Now Underway: Dorchester's planning commission and the Village of Dorchester are sponsoring the 2021 Dorchester Housing Needs Assessment Study. This survey, along with other public participation techniques, are being used to collect citizen input and thoughts on housing within Dorchester village limits. Dorchester residents only: Take the time to fill out this survey and provide the community with much needed input. (Keep in mind Dorchester has conducted these housing surveys and listening campaigns in the past. To really make your voice heard, residents should attend board meetings.)

Village Clerk to Retire: Longtime Dorchester Village Clerk and Treasurer Gloria Riley has announced she will retire later this summer, according to an email received by the Times. The Times staff thanks Gloria for a job well done and we wish her the best in retirement!

Special Village Board Meeting Tomorrow Night: Tomorrow, June 15, the Dorchester village board will hold a special meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Building. Public sources say the meeting will be focused on approval of Jen Kasl, currently the village's deputy clerk, being considered to replace Gloria Rilely, who will retire in the coming weeks. 

The Train Came Through Here 150 Years Ago: This July 4 will be a special kind of anniversary in Dorchester -- for we will be celebrating more than just the birthday of our nation's founding. It was on July 4, 1871 that the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad, completed to Lincoln from Plattsmouth the previous summer, pushed west to Dorchester. So on this Fourth of July, take a second to look down those railroad tracks and think about life a century and a half ago. Dorchester has survived in good times and bad -- and for that, we can be proud.

Longtime DPS Educator Larry Gish Passes At 81

Longtime Dorchester Public School educator, coach and Dorchester resident Larry Dean Gish, 81, passed away on June 6, 2021.  

He was born on Nov. 30, 1939 in Beatrice to Ray and Mildred (Lewis) Gish. 

He attended school in Blue Springs and Wymore on the way to graduating from Fairmont High School in 1958. After graduation, Larry spent a few years working various jobs and enjoying life, then served two years in the U.S. Army, which inspired him to consider his future. That led him to attend Nebraska Wesleyan, and then the University of Nebraska, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1970 and his master’s degree in 1973. 

He decided that teaching and coaching would be his vocation. He met his future wife, Beverly Jiskra, while she was working towards her own Master’s Degree in Lincoln. They married in 1967, and while continuing their degree programs, spent three years living in and heading the Home Management Laboratory. Through their time in the Lab, they lived with and oversaw approximately 100 different undergraduates studying Home Economics. 

Larry began his own professional teaching career in Lewiston, Neb. He then taught disadvantaged students at the Beatrice State Developmental Center for four years. He always said he learned a lot about life from those students. Larry then landed in his long-term teaching home: Dorchester Public School. There, at different times, he taught physical education, health, and driver’s ed, while variously coaching track, basketball, football and baseball. 

Larry and Bev also remained long-term, dedicated members of Dorchester United Methodist Church. 

Preceding Larry to final rest: parents Ray and Mildred Gish; brother Jim Gish; sisters LaVeta Miller and Jolene Allen; brothers-in-law Harry Miller, Carl Allen and Richard Jiskra; sister-in-law Marcy Gish. Larry is survived by his wife Beverly; sister-in-law Betty; sons Lenny, Ricky and Jay; daughters-in-law Sharon and Sheri; and grandchildren William, Benjamin, Carter, Creighton and Berkleigh. 

Memorials have been designated to the Dorchester United Methodist Church, Dorchester Education Association, Table Grace Ministries, and the Team Jack Foundation. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Dorchester United Methodist Church.

Dorchester Basketball, Volleyball Camps For Kids

Attention, all Dorchester athletes going into grades 3-8:

Two important camps will soon be held in Dorchester to help you improve your basketball and volleyball skills.

The Summer Longhorn Basketball Camps will be held at the Dorchester School for boys and girls. The camps are free and will be held next week (June 14-15 from 10 a.m. to noon), and then a month later (July 12-13, 10 a.m. to noon). Coach Ray and Coach Bruha will run the camps. Summertime is the perfect time to practice build new basketball skills. 

Meanwhile, the Longhorn Volleyball Fundamental Camp will be held July 6-7, from 9 a.m. to noon. This camp is for girls entering grades 3-8. Here you will learn all the keys to being a great volleyball player, or brush up on the skills you already have. To register, please contact Bethany Theis at (bethany.theis@dorchesterschool.org) soon -- preferably by June 9.

Call Dorchester Public School at (402) 946-2781 for more details.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Generous Donations To DHS Alumni Association

Donations Sent to DHS Alumni Association: The Times has learned that several Dorchester High School alumni have made generous donations to support the DHS Alumni Association and/or the DHS Alumni Scholarship Fund. Among those donating are the following Longhorns: Bernard Belka (Class of '41), Ray Krivohlavek ('41), Bob Kasl ('47), Lester Bruns ('48), Dr. David West ('53), Gerald Boden ('55), Marcia Boden ('56), Maxine Kubert Filipi ('56), Emmy Nejdl Boden ('61), Esther Korinek Johnson ('61), Rich Rardin ('70), Brent Stehlik ('74), Chris Pribyl Haake ('79), Mark and Judy Bors ('80 and '81), Neileen Filipi Nelson ('81), Bonnie Stehlik Wagner ('81), Charity Bolton Ebert ('82), and Sheldon Bruha ('86).

Sidewalk Scuttlebutt: According to an email sent to the Times, Dorchester village leaders are studying a plan that could require all town residents to install (and pay for) sidewalks on their property. The well-placed source tells the Times that a Lincoln-based consultant is recommending the action. Now we cannot confirm the accuracy of the report, but considering our source, we presume it has some merit. If true, the Times -- and most of our readers -- would wholeheartedly object to such a plan. We can list 100 actions that take priority over new sidewalks in Dorchester -- from construction of new housing, clean-up of existing homes, paving/repaving of streets, and renovation of Main Street. If village leaders want a place for people to walk, why not collaborate with the school on a track for students and the general public? (If you'd like to learn more about the sidewalk discussion, the next village board meeting is Monday, June 7, at 7 p.m. at the Dorchester Community Building. To present to the board, you must notify village hall at least 24 hours in advance, according to village board information.)

Kohout Organ Is Now Housed in Saline Co. Museum: A unique relic of music history has found its way to the Saline County Historical Society. Relatives of Adolph and longtime Dorchester School teacher Doris Kohout recently donated the Kohouts' pump organ to the Saline County Museum. The organ can be viewed in the museum's main building on Sundays, 2-5 p.m. Admission is free, although donations are accepted.

Dorchester Feedyard Spotlighted in Story on Beef Supply Bottleneck: Dorchester's Weber Feedyard is profiled in a story by KETV (Omaha's Channel 7) regarding the shortage of beef supplies, which was exacerbated by the cyberattack on JBS, the top beef producer in the U.S. "There are plenty of finished cattle, plenty of cattle supply to feed this demand that we've grown. The problem is getting them harvested," Weber said.